Today’s quote is from one of my favourite authors, one whom I read when I was in school, Louisa May Alcott. An American novelist, poet, and reformist, Alcott is best known for her classic novel, Little Women. Alcott worked as a nurse during the Civil War and wrote stories to support her family. Her works, often inspired by her own life, emphasise family values, resilience, and female empowerment. She was also an advocate for women’s rights and abolitionism, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to inspire readers worldwide.

Alcott’s quote serves as a guiding principle for a meaningful and well-balanced life. It highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with positivity, continuous learning, appreciation for life, and self-care. Our thoughts, attitudes, and personal growth are often shaped by our relationships. Positive, kind, and supportive individuals encourage us to become the best versions of ourselves, while toxic influences can hinder our growth. Alcott suggests that choosing uplifting and virtuous companions helps cultivate a life filled with joy, wisdom, and integrity.

Books serve as windows to new perspectives, knowledge, and emotional depth. Reading well-written, insightful, and inspiring works expands the mind, nurtures empathy, and strengthens one’s sense of identity and purpose. For Alcott, who was both an avid reader and a writer, good books were not just entertainment but a means of self-improvement and enlightenment. The quote also encourages one to appreciate life’s beauty and find joy in meaningful, simple pleasures. Whether it is art, nature, kindness, or creativity, loving what is good fosters gratitude and contentment. This aligns with Alcott’s belief in living a rich, fulfilling life not through material wealth but through experiences and values.

The quote also emphasises the importance of both physical and spiritual well-being. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, and taking care of oneself through exercise, rest, and nourishment leads to a balanced life. Similarly, cultivating the soul through kindness, compassion, faith, or introspection ensures that personal growth is not just external but deeply rooted in character and values. Overall, Alcott’s quote is a timeless piece of wisdom, reminding us that a truly fulfilling life is built upon meaningful relationships, intellectual and personal growth, appreciation for life’s goodness, and a commitment to self-care.

I took this week easy. I had a bunch of things on my to-do list that kept getting pushed to the next week because of my work and writing commitments, so I thought I should take a week or two off to tick off items from my long list. The good news is that I managed to get quite a few items off the list. The coming week will also be quieter as I try and clear more items so that when April rolls in, I have the bandwidth and motivation to tackle my writing head-on.

GG has been very busy and stressed this week because of project submissions, exams, and tests. She finally finished a bunch of those but has her end-of-semester exams to look forward to in early April. GG is busy with his work in camp, and his life flows on as usual. I have been nagging him for the past few weeks to take more interest in life after national service, but so far, all this has fallen on deaf ears!

That’s all from me this week! Stay positive and let the brightness of spring coat your soul!